Realistically, I attempt to workout at least four, mostly five, days out of the week. But wanting to change things up, I wondered if I could actually achieve a full seven days of working out and challenge myself while doing so. To attempt to reach this goal, I decided to make use of the amazing fitness classes that PSU Fitness has to offer. This is what happened.
Sunday, White Building, 5 to 5:45 p.m., room 117
Barbell
Sunday is a lazy day for me, so I wasn’t particularly happy to be going to the gym, but I decided to make the best of it. If you’re not a champion body builder, I highly suggest taking a barbell class. I really enjoyed this class because it provided me with the confidence in my own strength. Not only that, but it is an excellent workout that hones in on different muscle groups for a specific amount of time. Also, you are provided the liberty to take certain moves at your own pace.
Monday, White Building, 10 to 11 a.m., room 6
Full Body Workout
Wow. This hour long class wavers on the edge of insanity. It’s split into two sections: cardio and muscle. I work out often, but was literally catching my breath after the five minute warm-up. After that, I knew it was going to be a long class.
The cardio portion was a variety of different hop, skips and jumps designed to increase your heart rate. Let me tell you, it did the job. When the cardio portion finished, I wasn’t quite sure if I was alive and well, but I had to suck it up for 30 more minutes of muscle. Being more inclined to lifting, this section was bearable. Although I left this class with quivering arms and legs, I was extremely content with the workout.
Tuesday, White Building, 8 to 8:45 a.m., room 6
HIIT
I woke up at 7:30 a.m. and was stiff as a board. Achingly, I pulled my body out of bed to hit the gym. HIIT, the class I would be taking today, stands for high intensity interval training.
During class, we were given three sets of different moves with 10 reps each. The goal of the workout is to get in as many rounds as possible in four-minute intervals. After three of the six rounds, I was pretty beat.
This one will wear you out.
*Disclaimer: I don’t recommend doing close to 100 squat jumps with already sore legs.
Wednesday, White Building, 3 to 3:45 p.m., room 117
Circuit conditioning
Today, I really had to convince myself to workout. With my hectic schedule this week, it was hard to find a sliver of time within my day. I was so thankful I did, though. Circuit conditioning left me so sweaty that my face was literally dripping — a.k.a. it was a good workout in the sense that it kicked my butt.
Thursday, White Building, 11:15 a.m. to noon, room 6
Kickboxing Aerobics
I woke up feeling rejuvenated and, for the first time in a couple of days, I did not dread going to the gym. I actually looked forward to working out. I decided on kickboxing aerobics because I wanted to get a lot of cardio in. Kickboxing aerobics transports you to a fantasy match where you are facing one or more opponent. The goal of the class, then, is to basically beat up this imaginary opponent.
Friday, White Building, 1:30 to 2:15 p.m., room 6
Ball Pilates
Cue The Script’s Breakeven: “I’m still alive, but I’m barely breathing.” I decided took things slow today. I mean, after all, it is the weekend, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t feeling too great thanks to Indigo Thursday.
I went to Ball Pilates hoping for a calm, but excellent workout. It was just this. I appreciated how the class focused on strength and precision without getting breathless.
Saturday, White Building, 4 p.m. to 4:20, room 6
Washboard Abs
I’m freeeee. This was my last challenge, and I really liked the class. It was intense, but my core felt so strong afterwards. I actually questioned why my six-pack wasn’t fully developed immediately after the work out.
As a final reflection, going to the gym everyday is quite challenging, but definitely doable with discipline and a positive attitude. Although my muscles were constantly sore, my mind was clear and less stressed than usual. Constantly working out really does make you happier and effect you holistically. This trial was fun and posed obstacles, but I challenge others to try it!
